Valentine’s day- a day for sweethearts, hot dates, but most importantly, gifts. Roses, chocolates, and cards galore are the top of the list for most typical college couples. However, you could win over your lover with a six-inch rod or a vibrating tube of lipstick, too.

“These are probably the best for students, they are discreet, rechargeable, and budget-friendly,” says Victoria Weinell, clerk at a local sex shop, holding a tiny colorful box with a bunny-eared toy. At $22.99 in store, they are also available online for those who entertain the idea of dildo-to-door shipping.

“{Vibrator parts} come in all shapes and sizes, they do rabbit, dolphin, butterfly, it’s all primarily the kind of stimulation that you get with the clit. If you’re new to the game, we usually suggest starting with the rabbit ears, you want to figure out what you like first”, Weinell explains at Studio 21, a sex shop in Addison.

Victoria Weinell, clerk at Studio 21, shows off the functions of a toy offering clitoral suction. Photo by Abby Robb

The store offers sex toys and accessories for all sexualities and fantasy play. Dildos and vibrators line the store in a spectrum of skin tones and neon colors to catch anyone’s eye. The different types of toys are vast- including some of the latest technology.

“They have so much technology poured into them, whether its from the multitude of vibration settings, some of them have that nice “come hither” movement in penetration, some of them have apps.” Weinell lists while showing off towering glass cases of luxurious tech-savvy sex toys.

Women aren’t the only ones who can be spoiled with some titillating toys this Valentine’s day, Studio 21 carries a variety of male masturbators and enhancement equipment for men of all sexualities. A large shelf completely dedicated to strap on harnesses and dildos indicates the constant growth in the culture of “pegging.”

“Pegging in particular has become much more popular as the population becomes more aware of the fluidity of sexuality,” Weinell says, sliding a silicone dildo out of a box to show the skinlike texture of the toy.

Even if you have never experienced a sex shop or feel intimidated by the lifelike toys, the sex toy industry has blossomed to accommodate. From a playful tube of lipstick to a male stroker disguised like a sleek speaker, sex toys are becoming easier to hide and more accessible, especially for the frustrated, embarassed college student.